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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which item was not used on Carmelita's bagel?

2. Which is not mentioned as being one of the creatures of the New World?

3. The Prosecutor tells Juana that he can offer her freedom if she can show _____.

4. Carmelita has a picture of which famous star on her wall?

5. Carmelita becomes enraged when the mugger damages her ______.

Short Essay Questions

1. Carmelita mentions that food is one of her passions. What about food is important to Carmelita?

2. Why were Carmelita and the others protesting and where? What happened at the site? What was the result?

3. Describe Carmelita Tropicana as a person. What was her vision?

4. What are some of the topics discussed in the BMU by the women? What family story does Carmelita tell the others?

5. Discuss the meeting between Dee and Carmelita. Where had the women met on a previous occasion? Explain the scene and the reaction of each woman.

6. Dee and others make comments about nutty women being incarcerated at the BMU. What was meant by that statement?

7. What happens to interrupt the tender moment between Juana and Maria Luisa? What major event occurs? Who appears on the scene?

8. Who is Dee? What is her history?

9. What about the scene is so foreign to Arriero? What is his reaction?

10. Carmelita comments that the women need the spirit of Rosa Parks. Who is Rosa Parks? Why does Carmelita see her as a role model?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a short story, essay or extended journal entries from the point of view of Carmelita covering the next 5-10 years. What direction will Carmelita's life take? How will Carmelita's political positions change? How will Carmelita's career change? Give as much detail as possible.

Essay Topic 2

Homosexuality is a main theme throughout the book. Carmelita is a lesbian as is pointed out in several acts and scenes. Discuss Carmelita's homosexuality. In some cases the homosexuality seems to be borne out of the situation rather than conscious choice. This can be seen in Sor Juana when the vicereine insists that Juana kiss her. Carmelita also enters into several relationships based on the situation, including her relationship with Rodesia in the BMU. Discuss homosexuality as it pertains to the story and explain how it affects the characters and their actions toward each other and the other main themes in the text.

Essay Topic 3

Sor Juana: The Nightmare is a surreal piece about a 17th century Mexican nun. Examine Troyano's use of the nightmare in explaining Juana's talent, beliefs, and commitments. What is the purpose of the nightmare? How does the play fit in with Carmelita's story? Which parts, if any, of the nightmare were real? What do you think happened with Juana? What might have happened to the vicereine? Did their relationship continue? Was Juana's work ever published?

(see the answer keys)

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